Part 6 - Bite by Bite: How Our Diets Shape The Planet
- Jane E Porter
- Apr 8
- 3 min read
Let’s talk about food 😋. We’ve covered greenhouse gases (Part 2) and money fuelling deforestation (Part 3), but now let’s look at what’s on our plates. Turns out, what we eat is linked to what we’re losing - our forests.
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Agriculture and Deforestation
It all comes down to land use. Agriculture is one of the biggest reasons forests are cleared. You might think, ‘I only buy British beef, so I’m not contributing to deforestation,’ or ‘I only eat Linda’s sausages, so I’m off the hook.’
Sorry to break it to you but, we all play a role. A huge chunk of animal feed for pigs, poultry and cattle comes from imported soy, much of it grown in Brazil and Argentina, where forests are cleared to make way for endless fields of it. So even if your steak is local, its supply chain might not be.
And the veggie sausages? Many are made from soy too, so while vegetarians might dodge the beef bullet, we’re not entirely off the hook either.
The Main Offenders on the Menu
Beef & Cattle Ranching – A major deforestation culprit, particularly in the Amazon, where huge tracts of land are cleared not just for grazing but also to grow feed. Even British beef plays into this global system.
Soy – Around 75-80% of the world’s soy crop goes to animal feed and our appetite for meat and dairy fuels the demand.
Palm Oil – Found in everything from biscuits to shampoo, palm oil’s production has led to massive forest loss in Southeast Asia.
When forests disappear, we don’t just lose beautiful landscapes. We lose carbon sinks that help stabilise the climate, natural habitats and systems that regulate everything from rainfall to soil health.
Hope 🌱
It sounds bleak, but change is happening. Consumer pressure is pushing companies to be more transparent. Supermarkets are stocking more plant-based options - not just for vegans but because people are cutting back on meat. Certifications like RSPO for palm oil are gaining traction, and sustainable farming initiatives are growing.
Action 🌍
There’s no need to overhaul your diet overnight, but small shifts add up.
Try a Meat-Free Monday
Or any day. Cutting back on meat is one of the most effective ways to shrink your deforestation footprint.
Check the Label
If a product contains palm oil, look for the RSPO certification or choose products that are palm oil-free. It’s a step towards more responsible sourcing.
Who knew that saving the world could taste so good?
Thanks for reading. If you have any thoughts, questions, or stories to share, I’d love to hear them. Let’s keep the conversation going - every bite counts 💕
Until next time ...
Selected Resources (click links for more info)
Jane E Porter is a fine artist and illustrator from Scotland, dedicated to exploring and understanding the fascinating interplay between art, psychology and philosophy. She shares insights and observations made over the past two decades with a delightful mix of wit and wisdom. Join her as she continues her journey, delving into these themes, offering you fresh perspectives and insights on art, identity and storytelling.
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